The medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda serves as the perfect base for exploring France’s Dordogne region. Several standout tours make the most of your time here. We especially love the Lascaux IV and Cave Art tour – it’s the most efficient way to experience both the spectacular cave replica and authentic Rouffignac Cave in one day. The Beynac & Domme excursion combines scenic village walks with a relaxing gabarre boat ride, offering the quintessential Dordogne experience. Food lovers shouldn’t miss the Gourmet Tour, which includes the bustling morning market and tastings of regional specialties. For flexibility, the private half-day valley tours and cave-castle combinations work beautifully. Let’s explore the top tours that showcase the best of Sarlat and its surroundings.
Key Points
- The Lascaux IV and Cave Art Tours offer a full-day experience with guided visits to the Lascaux IV replica and Rouffignac Cave, catering to small groups and providing skip-the-line access.
- The Sarlat Gourmet Tour & Market Visit provides a 2-hour guided exploration of Sarlat’s historical landmarks, complemented by three tasting stops featuring local specialties.
- The Beynac & Domme Tour and Boat Ride combines walking tours of the medieval villages of Beynac and Domme with a traditional gabarre boat ride on the Dordogne River.
- Private Tours in the Dordogne Valley offer a personalized half-day experience, including visits to Richard the Lionheart’s castle, La Roque Gageac, and Domme.
- The Lascaux IV Half-Day Tour offers a compact 4-hour experience with skip-the-line access to the life-size replica of the Lascaux Cave, along with stops in Les Eyzies and Saint Léon.
From Sarlat-la-Canéda: Lascaux IV and Cave Art Full-Day Tour
Offering a comprehensive exploration of the Dordogne’s rich prehistoric heritage, this full-day tour from Sarlat-la-Canéda takes visitors on an immersive journey through the region’s most captivating cave art sites.
Priced at Kč 4,293 per person, the 9-hour small group tour (limited to 8 participants) provides skip-the-line access to the Lascaux IV cave complex, a high-fidelity reproduction of the original Lascaux Cave. Guests will also visit the National Prehistory Museum at Les Eyzies, home to the largest collection of prehistoric artifacts.
The tour includes guided visits to Lascaux IV and the UNESCO-recognized Rouffignac Cave, showcasing original Paleolithic cave art. Catering to a minimum of 2 adult passengers, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or children under 4 years old.
With an overall 4.9/5 rating based on 108 reviews, this experience is praised for its knowledgeable guides and insightful exploration of the Dordogne’s awe-inspiring prehistoric wonders.
Read our full review: From Sarlat-la-Canéda: Lascaux IV and Cave Art Full-Day Tour Review
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Sarlat-la-Canéda: Beynac & Domme Tour & Dordogne Boat Ride
Explore the captivating medieval towns of Beynac and Domme, complemented by a serene boat ride on the Dordogne River, on this 4-hour small-group tour from Sarlat-la-Canéda. Priced at $87.42 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience, including walking tours of both Beynac and Domme, a traditional gabarre boat ride, and an English-speaking guide.
Wander through the fortified medieval town of Domme, admiring its unique trapezoid city plan and learning about its history, including the imprisonment of Knight Templars.
Then, explore the iconic Beynac Castle, perched atop a limestone cliff. The boat ride on the Dordogne River allows you to admire the castles lining the riverbanks.
With a maximum group size of 8 participants, this tour ensures a personalized experience.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot now and pay later.
Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, enjoyable experiences, and stunning locations, with an overall rating of 4.7/5.
Read our full review: Sarlat-la-Canéda: Beynac & Domme Tour & Dordogne Boat Ride Review
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Sarlat: Half-Day Skip-the-Line Lascaux IV Tour
Why not explore the captivating Lascaux IV International Center of Parietal Art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a half-day tour from Sarlat?
This 4-hour small-group tour lets you skip the lines and discover a life-size replica of the famous Lascaux Cave, featuring over 600 prehistoric paintings and 1,000 engravings.
Your knowledgeable English-speaking guide will lead you through the interactive galleries, bringing the art, history, and culture to life.
Along the way, you’ll stop in the charming villages of Les Eyzies and Saint Léon, nestled in the picturesque Vezere Valley.
With a maximum of 8 participants, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience.
Priced at €97 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation in a comfortable minivan.
Flexible booking allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Don’t miss this chance to learn about the captivating world of Lascaux on a half-day tour from Sarlat.
Read our full review: Sarlat: Half-Day Skip-the-Line Lascaux IV Tour Review
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Sarlat Gourmet Tour & Market Visit With Tastings
For those seeking to enjoy the captivating gastronomy of Sarlat, the Sarlat Gourmet Tour & Market Visit With Tastings provides an engaging and delectable experience. Priced from Kč 1,263 per person, this 2-hour tour takes visitors on a guided exploration through the town’s winding streets and vibrant market stalls, where they’ll learn about the region’s renowned culinary specialties, including foie gras, duck, cheese, walnuts, and wines.
The tour includes three tasting stops at local shops, allowing participants to savor the flavors that define the Dordogne’s gastronomic heritage.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the experience also showcases Sarlat’s historical landmarks, from the Lantern of the Dead to the Saint Sacerdos Cathedral.
With a group size limited to 8 participants, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized exploration of this charming French town.
Boasting an impressive overall rating of 4.6/5 from 42 reviews, the Sarlat Gourmet Tour & Market Visit With Tastings is a must-do for foodies visiting the region.
Read our full review: Sarlat Gourmet Tour & Market Visit With Tastings Review
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Sarlat-la-Canéda: Dordogne Valley Half-Day Private Tour
Those seeking to enjoy the enchanting Dordogne Valley can embark on the Sarlat-la-Canéda: Dordogne Valley Half-Day Private Tour.
This 3-4 hour excursion provides a comprehensive exploration of the region’s highlights for just Kč 3,838 per person. Guests can visit Richard the Lionheart’s castle, the picturesque village of La Roque Gageac, and the hilltop town of Domme.
The afternoon tour also includes the medieval village of Montfort and a 12th-century Romanesque church.
The tour features live English commentary, air-conditioned transportation, and all fees and taxes. Bottled water is provided, and entrance fees are Kč 312 per adult and Kč 208 per child.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed.
With a 5/5 overall rating based on 25 reviews, this tour offers excellent value for money and a chance to discover the beauty of the Dordogne Valley.
Read our full review: Sarlat-la-Canéda: Dordogne Valley Half-Day Private Tour Review
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Private Tour to Cougnac Prehistoric Cave With Transportation
Visitors to Sarlat-la-Canéda can now embark on a private tour to the captivating Cougnac Prehistoric Cave. This 2.5-hour excursion takes explorers on a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the lives of our Paleolithic ancestors. The tour features a private, exclusive experience, making it ideal for small groups.
During the tour, guests will marvel at cave paintings over 30,000 years old and discover the ancient techniques used for fire-making and cave art. The cave’s vast stalactites, stalagmites, and columns provide a stunning backdrop for this immersive prehistoric experience.
The tour includes accommodation pickup and drop-off, a demonstration of prehistoric techniques, and bottled water. Entrance tickets, priced at 12€ per adult and 8€ per child, are payable in cash.
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing, as the cave maintains a temperature of 12°C/55°F.
With a perfect 5/5 rating based on 4 reviews, this private tour offers a unique and captivating glimpse into Sarlat’s rich Paleolithic heritage.
Read our full review: Private Tour to Cougnac Prehistoric Cave With Transportation Review
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Sarlat-la-Canéda: Cave and Castle Private Tour
Embarking on a captivating 4.5-hour private tour, visitors to Sarlat-la-Canéda can explore the region’s rich Paleolithic heritage and medieval history. Priced from $200.54 per person, this private excursion takes guests to a prehistoric cave with 30,000-year-old cave paintings and a well-preserved medieval castle.
The tour begins at the meeting point in front of Hotel Saint Albert in Sarlat, with the option to explore the cave paintings and witness demonstrations of Paleolithic techniques like fire-making and cave painting.
Travelers will then visit the Beynac Castle, considered the best-preserved medieval castle in France, while enjoying a scenic drive along the Dordogne River Valley.
This tour includes transportation, bottled water, and entrance fees, though visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing as the cave temperature is around 55°F.
With an overall 5/5 rating based on 12 reviews, this private experience is highly recommended for an enriching look into the region’s captivating past.
Read our full review: Sarlat-la-Canéda: Cave and Castle Private Tour Review
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From Sarlat: Rocamadour Half-Day Private Tour
Travelers seeking to explore the captivating UNESCO World Heritage site of Rocamadour can embark on a private 3.5 to 4.5-hour tour from Sarlat. This tour is priced at $140.89 per person and includes transportation, a live English and French-speaking guide, and bottled water.
Pickup is available from the bus stop at Place Pasteur in Sarlat or select hotels. Highlights of the tour include a guided visit of the village and its historical significance, as well as the opportunity to see the last medieval fortified watermill or a Romanesque church, depending on the season.
Visitors can climb the 216 steps of the Grand Pilgrims Staircase or opt for the elevator, with the lift fee of 3.10 euros per person. The tour also includes a stop at either the Cougnaguet medieval watermill, Souillac Romanesque church, or a village in the Dordogne valley.
With an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 13 reviews, this private tour offers exceptional value and an immersive experience.
Read our full review: From Sarlat: Rocamadour Half-Day Private Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Sarlat-la-Canéda offers a range of captivating tours, from exploring prehistoric caves to discovering the picturesque Dordogne Valley. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or gastronomy, there’s a tour to suit your preferences. With options for full-day, half-day, and private excursions, visitors can tailor their experiences to their needs and interests, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of this charming French region.